Yep, we’re posting two warm, spiced Fall drinks in a row. You know why? Because it’s the Fall Equinox this week and we are freezing our butts off over here.
The cold feels colder than usual for me right now since I flew back home from Los Angeles on Sunday, where it was a steamy 37°C (which in Fahrenheit is like… a million) (98.6°F). I watched the crew set up for the Emmy’s that morning, dipped my toe on the red carpet (which was conveniently located right next to my hotel lobby), got promptly removed from the red carpet (HI MUM!!)… and then watched said carpet again later in the evening on the official telecast.
Before you start getting jealous- this was a business trip. I did sneak some fun in here and there, but it was blocked out in snippets between long hours in air-conditioned conference rooms.
The highlight of the trip was Saturday where we were granted a full day of ‘free time’ before an evening staff event. Walking from Santa Monica all the way to Venice Beach, broken up with swimming, eating, drinking and generally having the best day.
Release 1,000 big personalities out on Los Angeles during a spectacularly sunny day… well, all of a sudden it was dark, I was covered in salt and sand, everyone was ordering their sixth plate of fully loaded nachos aaaaand… oh my god, weren’t we supposed to be somewhere right now??
Not our brightest moment. But it was still a wonderful and memorable day.
Another side of the ‘official business trip?’ Coming home is an absolute whirlwind. The deadlines don’t stop just because you decided to invest in some professional development.
Still, I learned a lot on this trip (both on and off the beach), and I returned desperately busy- yes, but also reinvigorated about my job, my organization and my industry.
So- to recap… I am cold, I am tired, but I am inspired. Two out of three ain’t bad.
I love this homemade chai recipe because, not only is it super cheap and super easy, but also because it’s a cup of pure comfort.
Warming spices, sweet, milky tea. It’s pretty much a Starbucks chai latte except way less expensive and way more delicious.
To think your average chic coffee shop charges ~$5 for the pleasure of something like this. If you buy these spices in bulk, I bet you can make a whole batch of this (5 cups) for less than $1.
All of this is especially good news for me since, in addition to cold, tired and inspired, I am also… much poorer than I was early last week. Ouch, Canadian dollar, why did you have to dip so hard right before my trip?
Oh well. Worth it.
| Homemade Chai | | Print |
- 4 cups water
- 4 tsp sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 small slices fresh ginger
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 bags Orange Pekoe tea (~5 tsp loose tea)
- 1 cup milk (almond, soy or other milk for vegan)
- Bring water, sugar and spices to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add tea, cover and let steep for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add milk, heat through to warm and serve immediately, straining out the whole spices.
amazing… i have never done fennel in my chai. i might have to re-work my chai pin hub now. curiosity on overdrive as i type 🙂
Let me know what you think!! I love the extra savoury depth it gives the brew.
i am drinking my third cup now. i am finding your chai mix deep, yet subtle. the fact that you do not have a laundry list of spices makes it even more of an intrigue. a few i have tasted have even less in number, but they lack the character i enjoy. result? i removed my chai masala hub pin. there is no longer room to add more links to it because of that 500 word cap, so i am seeing that as a sign to do a taste test and figure out which make me happiest. you caused this moment, finn. what makes a data and food geek happiest? moments like this.
I love hearing about people actually trying out these recipes! The act of sharing is so deeply satisfying. Recipes this simple are great because it’s all about balance and personal preference. A few variables, tweaked to one’s palette. I may or may not add a bit more ginger and a bit less sugar to my usual batch, but I aimed for crowd-pleasing with this master guideline 😉
Is there an alternative to the Orange Pekoe tea? I love Chai! Thanks for posting this <3
Any good, black tea will work well (even decaffeinated, if you’re trying to stay away from caffeine). Just make sure it’s pure tea and not ‘flavoured’ with anything- ie. fruit, spices, etc. Hope you enjoy it, Syaza!
Thank you!!! From warm and sunny Singapore 😉
So cool!! I love hearing from readers in other countries! It’s my way of living vicariously and traveling in my head to visit everyone 🙂
Gorgeous photography. I love chai tea, but never added fennel seeds to it as well. It’s one great idea to try asap. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Olguta! I am a huge fan of your site, and it’s always exciting to hear from readers in other countries. Romania’s on my bucket list!